What you need to know BEFORE your hair color appointment

Hair Color Appointment Tips from Baltimore’s Best Hair Colorist

If you are ready to try a new color for the warmer days ahead, make a hair color appointment with a stylist who specializes in coloring hair and then keep in mind these essential steps before, during, and after your salon visit.

Step 1: FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO TRY

Do you research! Figure out what color you’d like to try before you get to the salon. Waiting until you’re in the salon to peruse magazines or google “blonde highlights” is a recipe for regret. Look through Pinterest, do a couple of online searches, and flip through style magazines in advance. It’s also smart to start observing the hair colors you see during your everyday routine.

If you start noticing how bland an overall red color looks on your coworkers, you may want to reconsider that option for yourself. On the flip side, if you wonder if you could pull-off a burgundy color with curly hair, you may be pleasantly surprised to see real-life examples in passersby.

Feel free to take screen shots of online images, photos of real people (ask their permission!) and torn-out pics from magazines to your colorist. These images give the two of you a foundation for understanding. You may not know industry terms for low lights versus highlights, but the images you provide will demonstrate what you’re looking for.

Finally, during your hair color appointment tell your stylist about the best and worst haircut you have ever had; consider cuts that made you feel beautiful versus styles you prayed would grow out quickly. This gives them an idea of what to avoid since you know your hair better than anyone.

Remember: You can set yourself up for success by gathering examples of what you like.

Step 2: BE OPEN TO COLLABORATION

Having a clearly defined desired outcome is important, but if you’re chosing to go to the salon and work with an expert, be open to their expertise! Before any major color change, you should have a consultation with your colorist to determine the best color for your complexion, hair texture, and hair quality. Not every color will look flattering against your skin tone, not every color will look luminous in both thick or thin hair, and not every color will hold in the same way on virgin or processed hair.

If you are looking to go blonde after a previous coloring of red, you may run into some resistance from your colorist. There is no guarantee that your hair won’t end up looking pink with at combo. If you don’t want pink hair, then you need to listen to their concerns and work as a team to figure out what color may suit your hair at this time. No need to fear, there are lots of ways to problem-solve and strategize the best option for your hair. Your colorist wants to make you happy and wants your hair to look good. The two of you have the same end goal in mind.

Remember: Use the consultation to collaborate so you can create the best possible outcome.

Step 3: BE PATIENT

If you plan to have a consultation, color, and cut during one visit, make sure you set aside adequate time and plan for hours of beautification. It’s also a good idea to eat and hydrate before you arrive and pack a snack in case you don’t like the treats available at the salon. Many salons don’t provide refreshments beyond water, coffee, and hot tea, so having a substantial treat may make all the difference between feeling comfortable and satisfied instead of depleted and grouchy.

As the client, you get to set the tone for the visit and establish the level of conversation and interaction. If you’d like to catch up on reading, bring your book. If you want to listen to your favorite podcast, grab your phone, ear buds, and back-up charger. Bring the things that will make your visit relaxing.

Your colorist should tell you that your hair might change in tone and depth after future washes. Don’t be surprised if your color looks different from the salon chair today to your bedroom mirror later that week. It will take time for your new hairdo to totally “settle” into it’s permanent state.

Remember: Your comfort at the salon can be enhanced with preparation and appropriate expectations.

Step 4: EVALUATE YOUR RESULTS

You need to stay aware of your hair results both days and weeks after your hair color appointment. Make a note of your hair’s changing shine and texture, along with the dimension of color. You should notice a gentle transition if it’s a semipermanent color. The resulting color should still be flattering, even if it’s less vibrant.

Experiment with different styling techniques and determine the pros and cons of your color choice in conjunction with each hairstyle. If you are unhappy with your hair or your color, your salon wants to hear from you. There is no reason to break-up with a hair stylist or colorist because of a sub-par experience. Instead, let them know your concerns and see what they offer to remedy the situation. Remember your initial consultation and consider any warnings your may have received if you insisted on getting a color that was not recommended. No one can turn back the hands of time, but we all can make the best of an unsatisfactory situation. A follow-up hair color appointment may be necessary to remedy any problems so that you can achieve a look that you love.

Remember: Boris Borovsky
B.Co Salon
10425 Stevenson Road

Call (443) 520-4757 to make an appointment or discuss your hair needs with Boris.